This bill amends the definition of "endangered species" within New Jersey's Endangered Plant Species List Act to include any plant species that is either federally designated as endangered or threatened, believed to be rare globally, or has five or fewer extant populations in the state, provided it is not classified as an invasive species. The bill also introduces a definition for "invasive species," describing it as any plant with a high potential to become noxious or that could spread significantly, causing harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Department of Environmental Protection to remove invasive plants from the endangered species list unless they are also listed federally. It mandates the department to develop a list of endangered plant species based on scientific research and public input within one year of the bill's enactment. Furthermore, the department is authorized to control or eliminate invasive plant species without regard to the presence of endangered species in the area, except where federal law may impose restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1B-15.153, 13:1B-15.154